ObjectivesFenfluramine derivatives have been associated with significant risk of developing cardiac valvulopathy. This prospective study evaluated characteristics of patients hospitalized in cardiology and who have been exposed to these drugs.MethodsBetween july 2011 and february 2012, patients admitted in the cardiology department, University Center of Montpellier, France, were questioned about past exposition to fenfluramine derivatives. In case of positive response, a questionnaire assessing prescribing patterns and previous medical history was proposed and echocardiography was performed. All usual echocardiographic parameters were analysed. We applied criteria from the French multicenter registry for diagnosis of drug-induced valvulopathy.ResultsNinety patients exposed to the drugs were included. Sixty-seven percent were women (n=60). Fifty-three percent had diabete (n=47). Ninety percent were exposed to benfluorex (n=81). Mean treatment duration was 48 months (IC95%; 36,5-60,2). Valvular regurgitations were observed in 62,2% of patients (n=51) while 19% of patients (n=15) had pulmonary hypertension. Distribution of valvulopathies is summarized in table 1. Highly probable induced valvulopathies were mild to moderate in all except 3 cases.ConclusionIn absence of definite knowledge about evolution of drug-induced valve disease, systematic questioning concerning fenfluramine derivatives use could be recommended in hospitalized patients.Table IDistribution of regurgitationsPatientsMitral RAortic RHP16 (20,3%)8 (10,7%)11 (14,3%)PI28 (34,1%)20 (24,4%)13(16,0%)UI22 (26,8%)15 (18,3%)11 (13,4%)(HP: highly probable induced regurgitations; PI: possibly induced regurgitations; UI: unlikely induced regurgitations; R: regurgitation
